Microsoft President Brad Smith has said that artificial intelligence will not replace software engineers. Instead, it will support them by enhancing their skills and creativity. Speaking in an interview with news agency PTI, Smith addressed concerns about job losses in the technology sector. He said Microsoft’s focus is to build tools that help people improve their skills and work more efficiently. According to him, AI can handle repetitive coding tasks, allowing engineers to concentrate on higher-level work such as design, system architecture and security. He added that the goal should be to create better jobs, not eliminate them. Brad Smith’s comments come after Microsoft slashed thousands of jobs in 2025. In a blog post then, CEO Satya Nadella said that the company must “reimagine our mission for a new era. What does empowerment look like in the era of AI? It’s not just about building tools for specific roles or tasks. It’s about building tools that empower everyone to create their own tools. That’s the shift we are driving—from a software factory to an intelligence engine empowering every person and organization to build whatever they need to achieve.”
Microsoft’s Brad Smith: AI to change software engineering, not remove jobs
Brad Smith told PTI that AI can take over routine parts of coding, which gives developers more time to focus on planning products, managing projects and improving security. He described this as “upleveling” the profession of software engineering rather than reducing its importance.He also said that when technology improves productivity, companies often need more skilled workers and may even offer higher salaries. “We’re not talking about using AI to replace software engineers,” Smith said, adding that the aim is to improve how software is created.Smith noted that Microsoft wants to build machines that help people become smarter. He said he sometimes feels concerned when technology leaders talk only about building machines that are smarter than humans. According to him, AI should be used to improve human abilities, including reading, listening and communication.He also referred to discussions in India about using AI to bridge language gaps, such as translating between multiple Indian languages. Smith said governments also have a role in ensuring AI is used to increase productivity, support economic growth and create higher-quality jobs.
Microsoft’s Brad Smith express frustration with tech leaders
During the interaction, Smith said he sometimes feels frustrated when technology leaders talk only about building machines that are smarter than humans. “The first thing we should always ask ourselves is, what’s our goal? I do get frustrated at times when I hear technology leaders talk about how they want to build machines that are smarter than people. There is a role for machines that keep getting smarter, but our biggest goal is different from that,” he said.“We should always start by asking ourselves, what are we trying to accomplish?” Smith told PTI.
